Siemens awarded €318m rolling stock contract for California and Illinois

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A stock photo from Siemens' Sacramento factory. Photo: Siemens.
A stock photo from Siemens' Sacramento factory. Photo: Siemens.
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The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has announced that Siemens and the investment firm Sumitomo have been awarded a $371 million (around €318 million) rolling stock contract.

The deal covers the supply of 137 new single-level passenger carriages, 49 to Caltrans and 88 to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Authorities said that this rolling stock order is 100 per cent ‘Buy America’, from suppliers throughout the United States, and will support hundreds of skilled jobs in California.


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These carriages will provide additional seating capacity on intercity rail lines, specifically on the Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquins & Capitol Corridor services.

They have been described by Caltrans as spacious with Wi-Fi, convenient power outlets, large windows, state-of-the-art toilets and complying with Americans with Disabilities accessibility.

Siemens will build the 137 carriages at its manufacturing hub in Sacramento, with the first carriages expected to begin production “within the year.”

Siemens’ president of rolling stock Michael Cahill said: “These coaches will use the industry’s latest, proven rail technology to provide passengers with a safe, modern and highly comfortable ride.”


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